Locked-in syndrome

Brain-computer interface

graphic representation of BCI technology

Our research seeks to develop an efficient and effective brain-computer interface system that will serve as a communication access method for individuals with locked-in syndrome. We strive to improve the accuracy and speed of the technology, as well as user satisfaction, for a system that can be used for functional written and spoken expression.

For more information on locked-in syndrome, please contact Betts Peters, Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P. .

Betts Peters, Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P. discusses brain-computer interfaces

Visit our BCI Playlist on YouTube for more videos that explain how brain-computer interface technology can help people with locked-in syndrome and their families.

Our research on locked-in syndrome

Writing papers about our work is an important part of the research process. The papers you will find here have been included in conference proceedings and peer-reviewed journals.

Every year we give presentations about the work we are doing. We have a diverse team who present on different aspects of the study.

  • Guger, C., Coyle, D., Mattia, D., De Lucia, M., Hochberg, L., Peters, B., Nam, C.S., Cruse, D., &Noirhomme, Q. (2016) BCIs for assessment of locked-in and DOC patients. Half-day workshop presented at the Sixth International Brain-Computer Interface Meeting. Pacific Grove, CA.
  • Brain Computer Interface: A Primer for Clinicians, American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dallas, TX, October, 2015
  • McInturf, K., Peters, B., Mooney, A., &Fried-Oken, M. (2015). Locked-In: A carer's perspective on communication and BCI. Poster at the Oregon Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Conference. Portland, OR.
  • Perspectives of Individuals with SSPI on Brain-Computer Interface and AAC, International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Lisbon, Portugal, 2014
  • BCI within an AAC Framework, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, June 2014
  • Fried-Oken, M, Mooney, A., &Peters, B. (2014). Learning to use a brain-computer interface: Attention training. Presentation at the Biennial Conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Peters, B. (2014). Brain-computer Interfaces for People with Severe Speech and Physical Impairments: Unlocking the Locked-in. Presented at Ignite Health 2.0. Portland, OR. Watch video
  • The RSVP Keyboard™: A Brain-Computer Interface for Communication by People with Locked-In Syndrome, Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society Conference, Bellevue, WA, 2013
  • Fried-Oken, M., Bieker, G., Blackstone, S., Huggins, J., Mooney, A., Oken, B., &Peters, B. (2013). Augmentative and alternative communication for BCI 101. Half-day workshop presented at the Fifth International Brain-Computer Interface Meeting. Pacific Grove, CA.
  • Huggins, J., Bieker, G., Fried-Oken, M., Peters, B., Vaughan, T., &Wolf, C. (2013). Users' Virtual Forum: The final word. Presentation at the Fifth International Brain-Computer Interface Meeting. Pacific Grove, CA.
  • Peters, B., Erdogmus, D., Fowler, A., Mooney, A., Oken, B., Orhan, U., Roark, B., &Fried-Oken, M. (2013). Effects of varying presentation rate and sequence length on user performance with the RSVP Keyboard BCI. Proceedings of the Fifth International Brain-Computer Interface Meeting. Pacific Grove, CA.

Here you will find articles and other writings from community members with locked-in syndrome who are participating in our research. You will also find newsletters featuring our research.

Resources for families

Podcasts

Brain computer interfaces with Dr. Melanie Fried-Oken. Listen to the podcast 

Brain-computer interfaces for people with ALS. Listen to the podcast 

Useful websites